Cooper Flora, an aerospace engineering major at Kent State's College of Aeronautics and Engineering (CAE), spent his summer 2024 internship at Howmet Aerospace, gaining valuable experience in the quality department of their truck wheel manufacturing division.
During his time at Howmet, Cooper took on the challenge of updating control documents and establishing a safe system for work instruction updates. This role allowed him to develop essential soft skills and gain a deeper understanding of organizational structure.
"It's owned by an aerospace company which lined up with my major," Cooper explained when asked about his motivation to pursue this opportunity. "When I met with the people during my interview, they seemed like good people, and I knew I would get good experience regardless of if I wanted to work in that position for the rest of my life."
Cooper's internship provided him with a unique perspective on the manufacturing process, allowing him to interact with various departments and professionals.
One memorable experience involved collaborating with HR on projects they didn't realize needed attention until they learned about Cooper's work.
An unexpected encounter with the CEO of Howmet demonstrated the importance of workplace integrity. After accidentally dinging the CEO's car door, Cooper left his contact information, leading to a phone call where the CEO commended his honesty and assured him he would "remember his name."
For students seeking internships, Cooper advises, "Don't stop applying and really learn how to stand out at the career fair. Do research on the companies before you go to the career fair." He emphasizes the value of internships beyond simply fulfilling degree requirements.
As Cooper continues his academic journey, he plans to leverage this experience in future job searches. "This specific job helped me round out my understanding of manufacturing," he says, highlighting the comprehensive knowledge he gained across multiple departments.
Cooper's internship at Howmet Aerospace exemplifies CAE's motto, "Dare Mighty Things." By embracing challenges, networking with professionals, and continuously learning, Cooper has set a strong foundation for his future in the aerospace industry.
Students interested in finding similar internship opportunities can reach out to CAE's career services coordinator, Steven Nowinski, for assistance in locating and applying for internships.